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Dear People of St. Thomas’,
Recently I was at a party where someone asked that we all share our favorite Christmas hymn. It was hard to narrow it down to just one, and I didn't want to pick any of the obvious ones. I mean, come on, I am a professional Christian, I needed to show off a little bit. By the time it got to my turn I had settled on one. It's in our hymnal, but isn't very often sung, at least in churches where I'm not the Rector. It's called, "'Twas in the moon of wintertime," and it's probably the earliest Christmas hymn composed in North America. In our hymnal, it's number 114. The text was authored by a 17th century French Jesuit missionary to the Huron peoples named Jean de Brébeuf. (This period in history was very ably described on screen in the 1991 film, THE BLACK ROBE, though it is not specifically about de Brébeuf.)
His time with the Huron people was marked with difficulty, war, bloodshed, capture, and almost unimaginable hardships. Sometime in 1643, he composed this carol in which he told the story of Jesus' birth but in a way the Huron people could approach it, that is, through their metaphor, landscape, and time. de Brébeuf was uninterested in focusing on Christ's birth as an historical event that happened long ago and far away, but as a contemporary event that happened right then for them. Instead, says Canadian hymnologist Hugh McKellar, "what matters for him is the immediacy of the Incarnation and the difference it can make in the lives not just of the Huron, but of believers in any culture." A later collaborator, Jesse Edgar Middleton, expanded the original carol to the form we have today and set it to the traditional French tune, Une Jeune Pucelle. Hearing it and singing it today has never failed to move me, especially as I consider how Christ goes beyond all culture, place, and time.
de Brébeuf was martyred by the Iroquois in 1649 alongside another French Jesuit missionary in a particularly gruesome manner. He is now regarded as the patron saint of Canada.
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God bless you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Ryan+
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Our Mission: Making a difference for others, because God is making a difference for us.
Our Vision: To create a safe, loving, and accepting place for all people to grow in their faith and spread love out into the beloved community.
Hurricane Assistance: At the drop down, please choose either "Hurricane
Restoration" or "Discretionary Fund".
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Methods to donate are on the St. Thomas’ website and on the church’s Facebook page. If you prefer to write checks, please make them to the order of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. On the memo line, please designate "Hurricane Restoration" to help efforts at the church, or "Discretionary Fund" to help those affected by the storm.
Despite Helene's and Milton's devastation, we continue Growing Together in Love.
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Men's Club: Tonight, December 12
We're thrilled to invite you to an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and delicious food at the Men's Club meeting tonight! Join us at the Grand Central Brewhouse, located at 2340 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, at 6:00 pm. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind, share stories, and connect with fellow members—after all, who doesn’t love a good laugh and a great meal? Speaking of meals, you can check out the mouthwatering menu options from LaLa at this link: https://www.grandcentralbrew.com/food/#lala. Remember, you don’t have to leave the GCB to enjoy! So, come hungry and ready for some fun; we can't wait to see all your smiling faces! Hope to see you there! And remember, invite a friend to join you!
Any questions, call Ted Badger, 727-295-9669. JOIN US UPSTAIRS AT THE BREWHOUSE.
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Giving Plate Sunday: December 15
On Sunday, December 15, our Giving Plate collection will go to Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) to fund St. Thomas’ membership in that organization as a covenanted congregation. FAST represents more than 2,000 individual members in Pinellas County and over 50 churches. This organization has a strong presence in the community and is focused on two principal areas of significant concern for the coming year: affordable housing and water quality.
You can learn more about FAST Pinellas by visiting the website, http://fast-pinellas.org. Also, take a look at St. Thomas’ website for additional information: https://www.stthomasstpete.org/fast-justice-ministry.html.
Please give prayerful consideration to this opportunity to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives in Pinellas County and give generously when the offering plate makes it way around on Sunday, December 15th. Thank you!
If you would like to know more about FAST and growing a justice ministry at St. Thomas’, please contact Bill Barns at 757.646.5146 / wfbarns75@icloud.com.
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Chorus Angelorum
Christmas Concert
Chorus Angelorum and Iona Consort will be performing their Christmas concert and all are invited! It will be a magical evening of music at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, 7:00 pm, December 17. This is free event (but your are encouraged to register), so bring your friends and family to this amazing Christmas Concert!
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We warmly invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm for a heartwarming celebration of Christmas Lessons and Carols, an evening that promises to be a beautiful blend of community, reflection, and joy. Prior to this uplifting service, we will gather for Supper, Song, and Prayer at 6:00 pm, creating a perfect opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the festive occasion ahead. We encourage you to bring along a friend, as the spirit of St. Thomas' thrives on inclusivity and shared experiences. As we come together in this sacred space, look forward to the meaningful moments and enchanting melodies that will not only elevate your spirit but also deepen your connection to God.
Our Candlelit Christmas Lessons & Carols, based on the service by King's College, Cambridge, is a retelling of the beginning of time until the birth of Jesus. The music this year will be provided by the Choir of St. Thomas' and guests. There will be times for the congregation to join in the singing of carols. It is the perfect event to lead you into the week of Christmas.
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Blue Christmas: A Reflective Service for the Season & the Community
Sunday, December 22, 5 pm
As we approach the winter solstice, we realize that there are more hours of darkness than light. For some the entire Christmas season can be too long amidst the merriment of others, especially when all might not be right in our own world. Whether it’s the losses experienced from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the absence of loved ones, or the worries of everyday life, sad feelings can often be amplified during the holidays. At the other end of the spectrum, some may be simply overwhelmed with Christmas preparations and not have time to truly reflect on its meaning. Either way, the Blue Christmas service offers space for a time of quiet reflection, peaceful music, and beautiful liturgy that assures us of God’s enduring love and comfort. All are welcome, so please invite your friends and neighbors to join us.
A small Christmas tree will be dedicated at the Blue Christmas service. At December coffee hours and at the service, individuals are invited to write on a blue or white ribbon for someone or something that is on their hearts this Christmas.
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Final Call for Christmas Flower Donations | |
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Jordan is away and will return on Sunday, December 15.
Jordan R. Markham
Organist and Choirmaster
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Music for Sunday
December 15, 2024
Voluntary: "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her" J.S Bach (1685-1750)
Introit: Advent Wreath Prayers; Advent III by Malcolm Archer (b. 1952)
Hymn WLP #724 People, look East, Besançon
Canticle: 9, The First Song of Isaiah Ecce Deus, Tone V.1
Sequence #76 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry, Winchester New
Offertory Anthem: "Arise, the Kingdom is at Hand" by Philip M. Young (b.1937)
Communion #324 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, Picardy
Hymn ##54 Savior of the nations, come! Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
Voluntary: "Tocata on Veni, Redemptor gentium Op. 5 No. 10" Paul Manz (1919-2009)
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St. Thomas' Flower Guild and their elf helpers decorated the church with greenery on Wednesday. Ahh, the smell is heavenly! | |  |
St. Thomas' stewardship committee dined at Carrabba's Italian Grill to mark the end of their 2024 work. | | | |
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Truthseekers
Class meets this Sunday
in the Guild Room
at 9:00 am
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New Beginnings #76
Feb 28 - March 2
New Beginnings is a retreat weekend for Youth in the Diocese of Southwest Florida at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center. This retreat weekend is focused on Middle School participants but staffed by High School youth and adults from our Diocese. The goal of New Beginnings is to help youth recognize and grow in their relationships with God, each other, family, and friends. On the retreat weekend, youth can expect to hear short talks, sing songs, play games, see skits, and participate in small group discussions.
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Adult Learning Opportunities | |
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Women of the Word
Meets on Thursday morning at 9:30 am in the church.
This year WOW is studying the book of beginnings, Genesis. This is the story of God’s purpose and plan for His creation, and it sets the stage for the entire Bible. Our guide will be A Journey through Genesis, edited by Marek P. Zabriskie and published by Forward Movement (2023).
Please contact Joan Barns if you have questions,
757-567-5488, or email joanmbarns@gmail.com.
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Men's Bible Study
Meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am in the church.
The Men's Bible Study is studying the Old Testament book Exodus and using the "Story of God" commentary by Christopher J. H. Wright. You should acquire this commentary in whatever format best suits you.
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LARGE PRINT editions of the Forward Day by Day are now available in the back o the church at the usher's station.
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Our Next Sandwich Sunday: January 5
Please join us at 9:00 am to make sandwiches for those in our community that need food. We will gather in the kitchen to prepare the sandwiches. This is an important outreach ministry and the sandwiches we make go in support of Isaiah's Place food ministry.
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Mercy Keepers
Thank you for your many contributions of food, clothing and household items!
Please consider Mercy Keepers when you purchase your imperishable food with your
BOGO options at your favorite grocery store.
If you have slightly used clothing and household items,
so many would appreciate those items as well.
Please place your donated items in the back of the sanctuary,
in the baskets near the baptismal font.
Thank you! We know that there is so much need for many of you
and also for numerous in our community.
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Pack-a-Snack
Please be advised, this ministry is currently on hold until St. Thomas' has the ability to provide this vital service to North Shore Elementary.
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"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
~Matthew 6:21~
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Pledge Packets, including commitment letters, were mailed on, Friday, November 15. If you did not receive a packet, please email Joe Master, joem@stthomasstpete.org and let him know. Several packets have been returned by the Post Office and marked not forwardable. | |
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Please join us on Thursdays from
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Meeting ID: 969 2031 5905
Password: 06182020
Connect through Zoom:
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News from the Diocese of Southwest Florida
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Diocesan Visioning Day
Saturday, January 4, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This event will be an in-person gathering at DaySpring with an available option to participate virtually via live stream. During this gathering, I will provide important updates regarding the vision, mission, and goals for the diocese. You don’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to participate in the work of dreaming about our future together. This gathering will be open to everyone in the diocese (not just clergy and lay delegates). Registration information for this event will be available on November 1.
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Water and the Word Conference
February 21-22
Registration is now open for the 2025 Water and the Word conference. New speakers, engaging workshops, meaningful worship, and plenty of time for prayer and fellowship. You'll hear from Bishop Doug Scharf, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, Dr. Elisabeth “Lisa” Kimball, and many more who will help guide us as we explore the theme: Fully Alive in Christ. Centered around Ephesians Chapter 4, this two-day event will deepen your understanding of how to grow and mature in your Christian faith and help you discover your leadership path, re-imagine how your church can serve its community, and magnify your mission at the intersection of faith and family. We’re also delighted to welcome back Liturgical Folk, who will once again enhance our worship experience with their beautiful music. In addition, this year we’ve expanded our offerings to include youth-centered experiences and special retreat activities for deeper spiritual connection.
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News from the Episcopal Church | |
Virginia priest is three-time ‘Jeopardy!’ winner, could qualify for Tournament of Champions
All this Virginia priest wants for Christmas is the chance to compete in the “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions. The Rev. Kevin Laskowski just might get his wish. Laskowski, priest-in-charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centreville, competed on the popular TV game show last week, won three times and racked up a prize total of $52,999, possibly enough to qualify him for the show’s annual tournament next year.
“I’ve been thinking about this since I was a kid,” Laskowski said in a Facebook post before his first TV appearance. He later thanked his fans for their support in a comment on a Diocese of Virginia post about the show. “It was an amazing experience, and I’m thrilled to share it.”
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The list of names in the Prayers of the People will be published in the bulletin every week and in this section of The Draft. To add someone to the long-term prayer list, contact Russ Martin in the church office: 727-896-9641 or office@stthomasstpete.org.
Names stay on the prayer list for three weeks unless otherwise requested.
Prayer list: Dona, Geoff, Sharon Joanne, Barbara, Carrie, Yvonne, Jo, Terry, Julia, John, Russ, Kevin, Freddy, Nancy, Rosalie, Anje, Joyce, Linda, Betty, Rick, Lee, and all adversely affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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Healing prayer is offered at the 10:00 am Sunday service. After communion you are invited to come to the back of the Cathedral and receive a confidential healing prayer from a trained parishioner. Prayer ministers share the heart of Jesus' love and care, and are guided by the Holy Spirit to listen, love, and pray into your prayer requests for physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs. Intercessory prayers for others can also be given. If you have any questions about the healing prayer ministry or feel called to serve, please call Joan Barns, 757-567-5488 or email joanmbarns@gmail.com. | |
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Happy Birthday blessings this month go out to: Kitty Epler (Dec 4), Mike Evanoff (Dec 5), Louise Chapin (Dec 6), Laurie Lowe (Dec 8), Tinsley Moorefield (Dec 8), Linda Davis (Dec 12), Frederick Fleming (Dec 15), George Burkhart (Dec 16), Graham Stineman (Dec 18), Anne Long (Dec 19), Mary Jane Cartier (Dec 20), Morea Hallas (Dec 21), Carol Suhar (Dec 22), Bennett Forrester (Dec 22), Pippa Forrester (Dec 22), Liz Stiles (Dec 24), Joanna Ritch (Dec 25), Shelby Jung (Dec 26), Susan Gibson (Dec 28), Pam Holley (Dec 28), Marina Davidson (Dec 29), Tracy Kelso (Dec 29), Daniel Nicolas (Dec 29), Norma Wood (Dec 29), Jane Gillett (Dec 30), Worth Blackwell (Dec 31), Colleen Laughlin (Dec 31)
Happy Anniversary blessings this month go out to: Scott and Lisa Johni (Dec 4), Bill and Trish Thomas (Dec 9), Worth and Betsy Blackwell (Dec 13), Pete and Toni Calabrese (Dec 26), Duane and Katrina Kaufhold (Dec 28), Justin and Jess Purcell (Dec 31)
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The Third Sunday of Advent
Acolytes: Hannah Wetmore, Colin Burkhart, Jace Viera
Altar Guild: Diane Robinson, Barbara Bice
Camera Operator/Digital Commentary: Jackson Ball / Mike White
Coffee Host: Laura Reitan
Flower Guild: Caron Burgess, Laura Vrooman
Greeters: Russ Martin
Healing: Joan Barns and Bill Barns
Lay Eucharistic Minister (10am): Ann Leavine
Lector (8 am): Jack Day
Lectors (10 am): Tom Alison, Lloyd Chapin
Nursery: Angel Bickert, Joan Groendal-Patterson
Oblations: Mike and Gina White
Prayers of the People (8 am): Jack Day
Prayers of the People (10 am): Angie Ford
Ushers: Lee Coryell and Teri Andrés Coryell, David and Jane Anne Knowlton
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Lucy
Lucy, or Lucia, was martyred at Syracuse, in Sicily, during the Diocletian persecution of 303–304. Her tomb can still be found in the catacombs of Syracuse. She was venerated soon after her death and her cult spread quickly throughout the church. She is among the saints and martyrs named in the Roman canon of the mass. Most of the details of Lucy’s life are obscure. In the tradition, she is remembered for her purity of life and her gentleness of spirit. Because her name means “light,” she is sometimes thought of as the patron saint of those who suffer from diseases of the eyes. In popular piety, Lucy is perhaps most revered because her feast day was for many centuries the shortest day of the year. (The reform of the calendar by Pope Gregory VIII in 1582 would shift the shortest day to December 21/22, depending upon the year.) It was historically on Lucy’s day that the light began gradually to return and the days to lengthen. This was particularly powerful in northern Europe, where the days of winter were quite short. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Lucy’s day has long been a festival of light that is kept as both an ecclesiastical commemoration and a domestic observance. In the domestic celebration of Lucia, a young girl in the family dresses in pure white (a symbol of Lucy’s faith, purity, and martyrdom), wears a crown of lighted candles upon her head (a sign that on Lucy’s day the light is returning), and serves her family special foods prepared especially for the day. In praise of her service, the young girl is called Lucy for the day
[Feast Day: December 13]
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God has given us the ability to laugh for a reason. It may seem like a little thing, but laughter is vitally important in the battle against stress, anxiety, fear and worry. | |
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Pastoral Emergency:
Please call
The Rev. Martha Goodwill
727-639-2123
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Thursday, December 12 (James Frances de Chantal)
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Church Chancel
9:30 am - Women of the Word - Church Chancel
6:00 pm - Men's Club - Grand Central Brewhouse
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal - Church Chancel
Friday, December 13 (Lucy)
Saturday, December 14 (John of the Cross)
Sunday, December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent
Giving Plate Sunday - FAST
7:45 am - Nursery - Canterbury Courtyard
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (spoken)
9:00 am - Truthseekers - Guild Room
10:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (choral)
Monday, December 16
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Church Chancel
7:00 pm - Chorus Angelorum Rehearsal - Church Chancel
Tuesday, December 17
9:00 am - Morning Prayer- Church Chancel
7:00 pm - Vestry Meeting
7:00 pm - Chorus Angelorum Christmas Concert - Cathedral of St. Peter
Wednesday, December 18
7:30 am - Men's Bible Study - Church Chancel
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Church Chancel
5:15 pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite I
6:00 pm - Supper, Song, and Prayer - Guild Room
6:45 pm - Compline - Guild Room
7:00 pm - Lessons and Carols - Church Chancel
Thursday, December 19
8:00 am - Morning Prayer - Benison Farm
9:00 am - Morning Prayer - Church Chancel
9:30 am - Women of the Word - Church Chancel
6:00 pm - Men's Club - Grand Central Brewhouse
6:00 pm - Zoom Happy Hour
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal - Church Chancel
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